Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Richmond upon Thames Movers
Richmond upon Thames Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, packing, loading, transportation and unloading of goods.
Policy Aims and Scope
This policy aims to prevent injury, ill health and property damage arising from our work. It applies to all employees, agency workers, subcontractors and any other persons engaged by Richmond upon Thames Movers in connection with removal and moving services. It covers work undertaken at client premises, on public roads and in any storage or operating locations used by the company.
Legal Compliance and Responsibilities
We are committed to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards for removal and transport services. Management is responsible for implementing this policy, assessing risks and ensuring that adequate resources are provided for health and safety.
All employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff are required to follow safety procedures, attend training, use equipment correctly and report hazards, near misses or incidents without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We identify, assess and manage risks associated with our activities, including manual handling, working in and around vehicles, operating at client premises and handling bulky or fragile items. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change in work practices, equipment or locations.
Safe systems of work are developed for common removal tasks. These include guidelines on safe lifting techniques, team lifting arrangements, the use of moving equipment, securing loads in vehicles and operating safely in confined or shared spaces such as stairwells, corridors and shared driveways.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key risk in moving and relocation work. We aim to reduce manual handling risks by planning jobs carefully, using appropriate lifting and moving equipment, and assigning sufficient staff to each task. Employees receive training in safe lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, with emphasis on assessing loads, using team lifts and avoiding unsafe practices.
Moving equipment such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps, ramps and protective covers is maintained in good condition and used in accordance with training and instructions. Any defective equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported to a supervisor or manager.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition and inspected regularly. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and weight limits for vehicles and lifting equipment are strictly observed.
Drivers and crew members are expected to plan routes sensibly, allowing time for traffic and site access, and to avoid unsafe manoeuvres. Particular care is taken when reversing, parking at client premises, and loading or unloading on public roads or shared parking areas.
Site Safety at Client Premises
Before work starts at a client property, the team will consider key hazards such as narrow staircases, uneven ground, low ceilings, glazed doors, poor lighting and vehicle access. Where necessary, we will agree safe access routes, protect floors and surfaces, and position vehicles to minimise risk to staff, clients and the public.
Clients are asked to keep children, pets and non-essential visitors away from active work areas and to inform our team of any known hazards, such as loose carpets, structural defects, or restricted access points. We may adjust our working methods or arrangements where needed to maintain safety.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their role. This includes manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, safe loading and unloading, working at client premises, and emergency procedures. Additional training is provided where new risks are identified or new equipment or processes are introduced.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring safe working practices on site, providing guidance, and intervening if unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed. Information on health and safety expectations and procedures is made available to all staff and reinforced through regular briefings.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment is provided. This may include safety footwear, protective gloves, high-visibility clothing and other items as required. Employees must use the equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report any loss or damage.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly so that they can be investigated and appropriate corrective actions taken. Records of incidents are kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities to improve our safety performance.
First aid arrangements are made to ensure that appropriate assistance is available in the event of an injury. Where necessary, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal requirements.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise the physical demands of removal work and are committed to supporting the health and welfare of our employees. Staff are encouraged to report any health conditions that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. No employee should work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair judgement or performance.
Breaks and rest periods are planned, particularly for longer jobs and driving duties, to help reduce fatigue and maintain alertness and performance.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Richmond upon Thames Movers is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety management. We monitor our performance, seek feedback from staff and clients, and update our procedures and training as necessary. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and revised when required to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice or the nature of our services.
All employees and contractors are expected to cooperate fully with this policy and to play an active role in maintaining a safe working environment for everyone involved in our moving and relocation operations.
